WHY AKTO

55 Years AKTO

Since 1971, AKTO has been the only educational group in Greece offering the full spectrum of university studies in art & design specializations. AKTO’s collaboration with Middlesex University London, since 1991, is the longest-standing partnership between an educational institution and a foreign university in Greece.

Specifically, AKTO was founded in 1971 by visual artist and designer Dr. Vlasis Vellios, with the aim of addressing a significant gap in arts education, which was extremely limited in our country at the time.

From the outset, AKTO has been characterized by close collaboration with all stakeholders and relevant professional bodies, ensuring the quality of education provided aligns with the needs of the labor market and society. Its partnerships with renowned artists and distinguished academics, such as Michalis Aslanis, Takis Katsoulidis, Nikos Koundouros, Dimitris Mytaras, Giannis Tseklenis, Kostas Tsoklis, Filimon, Fotis, Pantelis Chandris, represent just a few of the giant personalities in the Arts with whom AKTO has collaborated.

Outreach through the organization of events & exhibitions, talks by distinguished professionals, educational trips and visits, along with innovation in study programs, have since been the significant pillars of development that established AKTO as the leading institution in arts and design. Its proven long history is further strengthened to this day through achievements in international rankings and its longest-standing collaboration with the globally distinguished Middlesex University London [(HEFCE), (HESA)].

April 1992

Launch of DipHE programs: Graphic Design, Interior Architecture, Product & Design Innovation, Photography

April 1992
April 1992

Launch of the CertHE Fashion Design program

April 1992
May 1996

Launch of BA programs: Graphic Design, Interior Architecture, Product & Design Innovation, Photography

May 1996
June 2003

Launch of the first interdisciplinary Postgraduate program: MA Design

June 2003
September 2017

Launch of the program: MA Digital Design & Interactive Applications

September 2017
February 2020

Vlasis Vellios appointed President of AKTO

February 2020
March 2020

Beginning of online teaching during the pandemic

March 2020
April 2020

Maria Vellios appointed CEO of AKTO

April 2020
September 2021

Launch of Distance Learning hybrid: official integration of online teaching

September 2021
July 2022

Dr. Stella Kyrimi appointed CEO and Academic Director of AKTO

July 2022
March 2023

Launch of Open College university studies

March 2023
July 2023

Decision to relocate Thessaloniki Campus to new, state-of-the-art facilities in the city center

July 2023
May 2023

Validation of Specialized Directions/Pathways in Graphic Design & Interior Architecture

May 2023
September 2023

Establishment of the “Petros Kyrimis” Scholarship

September 2023
January 2024

Relocation of AKTO Thessaloniki Campus to Odeon Plateia Commercial Center, Tsimiski 43

January 2024
September 2024

Establishment of the “Vlasis Vellios” Scholarship

September 2024